IGWE ALEXANDER EZEOBIDIKE EJIKEMEUWA AZIKE-ONEDIBE ASCENDS THRONE AS ‘Idu III OF IGBO-UKWU’
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, IGWE ALEXANDER EZEOBIDIKE EJIKEMEUWA AZIKE-ONEDIBE, THE Idu III OF IGBO-UKWU IS INDEED A MAN BORN WITH A LOFTY DESTINY TO SERVE HIS PEOPLE AT A CRITICAL TIME LIKE NOW! His ascension to the traditional kingship stool of Igbo-Ukwu today typifies the saying that CHINAEMEZE… only God makes a King!
In 1977, HRH Igwe Z. E. Umeokoli became enthroned as the Idu I of Igbo-Ukwu. Then followed Igwe Dr. Barr. Martin Ezeh as the Idu II of Igbo-Ukwu in August 2003 and celebrated his last Ofala Festival in 2018 after his transition in 2017. Since his last Ofala Festival, Igbo-Ukwu had been embroiled with partisan struggles and conflicts over who becomes the next Idu of Igbo-Ukwu. Today, that jinx has been broken with the historic election and Coronation of HRH Igwe Ezeobidike Alexander Azike. To God be the glory.
This development marks yet another turning point in the annals of this great community. Once again, we have taken another big leap towards progress, as a united community determined to reclaim and restore her lost place and dignity in the gathering of other communities around us, as well as in the comity of both Aguata and Anambra Councils of Traditional Rulers.
Today indeed is the beginning of a New Dawn in our journey towards greatness once again! To God be all the glory! Perhaps more than ever before in the life of this present IDU Administration of Arc. Sir Christian Ike has Igbo-Ukwu Community enjoyed a golden moment such as this It is remarkable to note that the greater majority of Ndi Igbo-Ukwu spoke loudly with one voice in the election of HRH Igwe Ezeobidike Alexander Azike. And as the Greeks would say: vox populi vox dei, the voice of the people is the voice of God!
Indeed the unprecedented election which produced the Idu III was a political masterstroke. Igbo-Ukwu did not see it coming but before we could say ‘Jack Robinson’, it was a clean good goal, to the admiration of the vast majority of Ndi Igbo-Ukwu and bemused stakeholders.
It’s therefore worthwhile to commend the strong resolve of the PG of IDU, Arc. Sir Christian Ike, to enthrone the Idu III of Igbo-Ukwu before his 4-year tenure pans out on the 29th of December 2023. Undisputably, this legacy alone of enthroning the Idu III of Igbo-Ukwu against all odds as consummated today with the historic Coronation of the New Idu, has written the name of Arc. Sir Christian Ike in gold.
We must also appreciate the strong resolve, commitment and unflinching determination of the Office of the Anambra State Commissioner of Chieftaincy Matters and Town Union as well as all Igbo-Ukwu Stakeholders, who cooperated with the IDU leadership to make today a great day in our traditional history!
And for the of Ndị Igbo-Ukwu, we must all join our hands in solidarity to support our brand new king as he ascends this revered royal throne of our ancestors. Our people say: akwudolu Eze…! We must all be there for him at all times! However judging from his conduct and royal mien so far after achieving electoral success, we already see snippets of imbued humility in his way and style of managing victory!
He is a man of peace and it’s certain that he’s God’s special gift to Ndi Igbo-Ukwu at a time like now that Igbo-Ukwu is in dire need of a unifier and peacemaker, not divider.
QUALITIES OF THE Idu III OF OUR DREAMS:
For our renewed journey towards greatness, Igbo-Ukwu needs an Igwe who is without blemish or ridiculous stain along his collateral reputation and handling of public trust in the past; a man who is not exposed to any contemptible primordial controversy or notoriety. Igbo-Ukwu needs an Igwe with an uncommon wisdom, deep sense of humility and patience. These are what our new Idu represents.
On his part, the Idu III must endeavour to live up to the aspirations and wishes of our people. Ndị Igbo-Ukwu are yearning for unity, peace and progress in the community. So, they would love to see in the new Igwe, a man imbued with a cerebral mind, a straight head; the right courage to change what can be changed and or a serenity and equanimity of heart to accept what cannot be changed; the requisite wisdom to know the difference between good and evil as well as right (Justice) and wrong (injustice). He must love society and its rich customs and traditions including their diversities and heritage.
Above all, the Idu III must eschew and forsake abominable acts and sacrilegious engagements that offend the guardian spirits of our ancestors on whose traditional high stool he sits to perform his customary and traditional rites. This is because to be an Igwe of an ancient traditional community is not a tea party!
MEET THE MAN EZEOBIDIKE ALEX AZIKE-ONEDIBE:
Born on the 4th of March, 1962 to the family of late Nze Anthony Azike-Onedibe (Ezeobidike the First) and Noono Cartrine Azike-Onedibe of Umu-Ume Ward 23, Umudege, Ihite- Igbo-Ukwu, the new Idu III attended the Ihite Nursery/Primary School Ihite Igbo-Ukwu after which he proceeded to the nearby Boys’ Secondary School, Igbo-Ukwu.
He thereafter set his mind to do business and has since given a good account of himself under the company, AEC Technical Equipment Ltd, which he founded immediately after a successful apprenticeship.
He is happily married to the beautiful Monica Amaka Azike (nee Igwekanma of Umuechefu Village Obiuno Igbo-Ukwu) and they are blessed with a handsome boy.
Among other places and organizations he has held sterling leadership positions includes but not limited to the following:
- Chairman, Youths Social Club of Igboukwu, Kano Branch. 1993 – 2001.
- President, Friends Movement of Kano State. 1992 – 2003.
- Treasurer, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), Kano State. 1997 – 2000.
- President, Auto Spare Parts and Machinery Dealers Association (ASPAMDA), Kano State. 2000 – 2003.
- Chairman Igbo-ukwu Development Union (I.D.U), Kano Branch 2000 – 2006.
- President, Aguata Progressive Union (APU), Kano Branch. 2010 – 2017.
- Financial Secretary Noble Fathers Association Kano. 2015 – till date.
- Patron, I.D.U Kano Branch. 2016 – till date
- Patron, Anambra State Association Kano 2018 – till date.
- Chairman Umuezeokolo Kindred Igboukwu 2020 – till date
- Member, Scociety of Ozo Titled Men Igbo-ukwu (SCOTMI) 2019 – till date.
Overall, our new Idu is a self-effacing gentleman, an epitome of uncommon philanthropy and selfless leadership to his people. He has a long track of sterling leadership records over the past 35 years in Igbo-Ukwu and Kano commercial city and kindred associations as showcased above.
Ndi Igbo-Ukwu, please join me to receive, welcome and hail this new destiny king cum Igwe of Igbo-Ukwu; a socialite, extra-ordinary peacemaker, a humble man at heart, a unifier and role model leader, HRH Igwe Ezeobidike Alexander Ejikemeuwa Azike-Onedibe, the Idu III of Igbo-Ukwu!
Tuoo niie Igweeeee!
Igweeeee!
Long live Your Highness! May your Reign be fruitful and peaceful!
Ameeeen!
Sir Dr MCK Ubah, Esq., (Eze-Akajiugo of Igbo-Ukwu) and edited by Barr. Toochukwu Ejeziem (Ọchị-na-nwata).
